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	Place conent here Questions Why is Martial Arts Training so popular? Do I need to be a GoJu karate-ka or to have trained before to take classes? Are the instructors certified? How long has the dojo been open? Are you affiliated with any Martial Arts or Karate Organisations? Does York karate-do teach practical self-defence? What is the primary focus of the training? What is the belt testing procedure? Am I required to purchase and wear a uniform? How often should I train? Am I required to go to tournaments? Is contact sparring (fighting) required? Must I attend any special workshops? What is the cost for training? Is the dojo insured? Frequently Asked Questions Here are a list of frequently asked questions about martial arts training and the answers as they relate to our program. We strongly recommend getting the answers to these questions prior to joining any martial arts program or studio. Why is Martial Arts Training so popular? Martial Arts Training is so popular because no other activity can provide the same positive results, on a personal level, for each individual participant. Whether your goal is self-defence, personal development, fitness, or to earn a black belt York Karate-do will take you there. Martial Arts is a Fun Fulfilling Workout Our workouts are a great way to get in shape. Martial arts is like an exercise program with a bonus! You learn to defend yourself while you get in shape Our Classes Relieve Stress The emphasis on mind body training goes far beyond the benefits of standard health club type exercise programs. Our Program is a lot of fun The reason our program is successful is because we make the classes fun and exciting. We learned a long time ago that if people are having fun, they learn much faster Individual Instruction Though you are in class for yourself you are not by yourself. Our instructors will provide you with the most effective, safe and personal instruction available. You’ll receive individual help as you master the basics and on-going guidance from our instructors as your skill level increases. Do I need to be a GoJu karate-ka or to have trained before to take classes? No, we offer a full instructional program and beginners are welcome. You do not need special skills or size to take karate-do. Our classroom practice sessions give you the confidence you desire and we will teach you the skills you need and show you that size and strength are not important in the martial arts. Are the instructors certified? Yes. Our head instructor (Sensei) has the following certifications: NiDan in Okinawain GoJu karate awarded by Sakamoto Tameyoski Sensei of Okinawa Koshiki GoJu-Ryu Karate-do Shirenkan, and NiDan in Kyusho Jitsu as awarded by Masters George Dillman of Dillman Karate International and certified by a board of Grand Masters consisting of Master George Dillman, Master Leo Fong, Professor Wally Jay and Professor Remy Presas. click here for more information on our instructor certification. The head instructor of York Karate (Sensei Randall Waechter) has also completed the first level of the National Coaching Certification Program and the Sports First Aid program offered by the Sports Alliance Council. Our instructors understand that each student’s individual progress should be the main focus of their attention. That is why our instructors continue to be students themselves, they attend seminars regularly and continually work to improve their ability to help their students reach their goals. How long has the dojo been open? York Karate opened in January 1997. Are you affiliated with any Martial Arts or Karate Organisations? Yes we are. York karate-do is a member of the following national and international organisations. Dillman Karate International an organization of over 85 schools worldwide, with an enrolment of nearly 15,000 students O.K.G.K.S. an international organisation for the development of the character of all its members thorough the practice of Okinawain Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. Does York karate-do teach practical self-defence? Our program is based on real world situations and practical applications and teaches skills that do not rely on size or strength. While we try and have fun and enjoy our classes we take self-defence very seriously. Our EZ Defence Program uses a step-by-step process of developing confidence in your ability to protect yourself and others. Our classes are taught by experts who will make the process of learning self-defence safe and rewarding. You will: Increase Your Confidence Reduce Your Fear Learn to handle bullies or aggressive people Enhance Assertiveness Remain clam under pressure What is the primary focus of the training? "The ultimate aim of karate-do lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants" Gichin Funakoshi A sample class would be as follows Warm up Basics (strikes, kicks, blocks); bag work and cardio workout Kata (a set pattern of offensive and defensive techniques which simulates a confrontation) Ippon Kumite (one step fighting) and self-defence (pressure points, seizing and locking) What is the belt testing procedure? Belt testing occurs regularly throughout the year. You will be taught everything you need to know for each belt level - there are NO surprises. A panel of black belts will judge you and upon successful completion of the grading requirements you will receive your belt and grading certificate. Our goal is the assist you and make sure it is an enjoyable experience. All the requirements for each belt level are on the web site in the grading section. There is no extra fee for the gradings (except at the black belt level). Am I required to purchase and wear a uniform? You have two choices for training; a training Gi (Uniform) which you can purchase through York Karate or on your own from any martial arts supply store or you may train in any exercise clothing that allows for free movement and is appropriate for a public fitness club. How often should I train? The optimal number of times to train to develop overall physical fitness is 3 times per week. As well karate has a significant number of skills to acquire and learn. However given schedules it may be difficult to attend class three times per week. We suggest you set a goal of working out three times per week and attending class at least twice a week. If you are able to make class more often that is great if not make sure you find time to practice your skills at home to develop body memory. Just 15 to 20 minutes will make a significant difference in your progress and enjoyment of the art. Am I required to go to tournaments? No, the choice is yours. If you wish to take part in tournaments we will assist you in terms of tournament sport karate. Is contact sparring (fighting) required? NO! Absolutely no contact is allowed. In fact we do not practise free sparring, but do use a form of touch tag to practise timing and distancing. We focus on real world situations (one step fighting and self-defence). In these we touch, hold arms, wrists and hands etc; but not in any way to cause injury, bruising or pain. We also practise bag work for both punching and kicking. This allows you to hit without hurting yourself or anyone else. Must I attend any special workshops? No, however we do offer special seminars and workshops that offer unique learning experiences for our students. We have hosted events such as Lessons From The Bubishi, Humane Pressure Points, Close Combat, Gun Disarms, Chi/Qi Development and Application in the Martial Arts, Kata Application and many more by some of the worlds most renowned Masters including Tetsunosuke Yasuda Sensei (10th Dan, Co-vice Chairman, Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Kyokai, Jundokan), Master George Dillman 9th Dan, Master Kim Dillman 8th Dan, Master Wu, Master Ed Lake 8th Dan, Master Jim Corn 8th Dan, Tasshi Alvarez 7th Dan, Master Leon Jay 7th Dan, Master Steve Stewart 8th Dan, Master Will Higginbotham 8th Dan What is the cost for training? We understand that while you are interested you may be a little nervous about what is involved in a karate program and if you will enjoy it. Often one major hurdle is the financial commitment required. To help you make this decision we offer the York Karate-do introductory program. Click here to learn more about our introductory program and guarantee Is the dojo insured? Yes, this is a very important question to have answered. While we make every effort to run a safe program and to date we have not had any injuries whatsoever, martial arts programs by there very nature involves physical contact including strikes and kicks and the related risks associated with these types of actives. However we do carry full insurance coverage through Premier Fitness. Insurance coverage is something you should make sure any martial arts club has prior to taking part or joining.
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